Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Investigation Response

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Questions and Answers

What is the single biggest cause of destruction of evidence needed by investigators in court cases?

Salvage operations

Use of hose lines

Firefighters' responsibilities

Overhaul (correct)

Why is unnecessary probing of ceiling areas discouraged during investigations?

It can result in conflicts between firefighters and investigators.

It could destroy physical evidence that might be present. (correct)

It may lead to further damage to the structure.

It delays the completion of the preliminary investigation.

What should firefighters prioritize when performing overhaul operations?

General inspection of the fire extension

Physical removal of items for salvage

Preservation of evidence (correct)

Speed of extinguishing the fire

Why is it important for investigators to view items before they are physically removed from their original location?

To maintain the exact location information of items Signup and view all the answers

In what situations should Incident Commanders notify fire investigators to respond?

When a crime of arson is suspected, regardless of property damage Signup and view all the answers

Who decides whether to respond and open an investigation in the case of a fire or explosion involving arson?

The most senior Fire Investigator on duty Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Fire Investigators when they respond to a scene?

To document the incident through a Fire Damage Report Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Command in maintaining custody of the scene?

Maintain custody until Fire Investigators arrive Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions should Fire Investigators justify their response to an incident?

After reviewing all information obtained from the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines whether Fire Investigators respond and open an investigation?

The resource needs and type of incident encountered Signup and view all the answers

What must Incident Commanders do when a crime of arson is suspected?

Advise Fire Dispatch to notify Fire Investigators of the incident Signup and view all the answers

How do Fire Investigators decide whether to respond and open an investigation?

After thoroughly reviewing all information obtained from the Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

Who is accountable to their Battalion Chief for the accuracy and completeness of fire incident reports?

Company officers Signup and view all the answers

What should companies do when there is a delay in response by fire investigators?

Assign personnel to protect the fire scene Signup and view all the answers

In what situations can companies transfer Command to investigators according to the text?

In lengthy investigation times and at the discretion of the most senior fire investigator Signup and view all the answers

What information should first-in engine companies provide to investigators according to the text?

Information about the early stages of the fire and methods used Signup and view all the answers

When can companies be released from a fire scene as per the text?

Immediately after achieving fire control Signup and view all the answers

What should companies do if fire investigators are on the scene or responding?

Coordinate overhaul with investigators Signup and view all the answers

Who can Command assign to protect a fire scene when there is a delay in investigator response?

'Fire watchers' from the company officers Signup and view all the answers

What action do the investigators need to take if they plan to conduct further investigation at the scene?

Inform Command about their intention Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can Command be transferred to the most senior fire investigator on the scene?

At the discretion of the most senior investigator Signup and view all the answers

What should Command provide if requested by the investigators to assist in the investigation?

Manpower and equipment Signup and view all the answers

What should all personnel ensure during the investigation according to NFPA 921 guidelines?

Follow the scientific method Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a primary concern before evidence collection during an investigation?

Life safety and incident stabilization Signup and view all the answers

How can evidence be preserved when extinguishing a fire in the suspected area of origin?

Use a fog spray Signup and view all the answers

What should not take precedence over life safety and incident stabilization during a fire investigation?

Preserving evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered a primary focus after life safety is secured and incident stabilization is achieved in an investigation?

Evidence collection Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring the investigation of fire incidents involving property owned by the City of Las Vegas?

Chief of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad Signup and view all the answers

Which role holds the responsibility of reviewing and revising the Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Investigation response?

Deputy Chief over Operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Investigation response?

Fire investigation Signup and view all the answers

Who should ensure that evidence conservation measures are practiced in line with the policy and proper fire suppression tactics?

Company Officers Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the direction and quality of fire investigations within the Operations Division?

Chief of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Deputy Chief over Operations in relation to the Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Investigation response?

Responsible for SOP revision and review Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Battalion Chiefs and Company Officers in fire investigations according to the text?

Ensuring the notification of Fire Investigators Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the content, revision, and review of the Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Investigation response?

Deputy Fire Chief - Fire Marshal Signup and view all the answers

When can the Chief of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad open an investigation as per the policy?

Only when there is confirmed arson Signup and view all the answers

Who ensures the investigation of fire incidents involving city-owned property in Las Vegas within specified policy parameters?

The Deputy Chief over Operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the central responsibility of the Deputy Fire Chief - Fire Marshal in relation to fire investigations?

Overseeing policy content and review Signup and view all the answers

Which division within the fire department is responsible for ensuring consistent and timely investigation of fires and explosions?

Fire Suppression Division Signup and view all the answers

Who plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of fire investigations within the Operations Division?

Deputy Chief over Operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the authority and responsibilities listed in this section of the Standard Operating Procedure?

Providing direction to all members for consistent and timely investigations Signup and view all the answers

What action should Incident Commanders take in fires or explosions involving personal injury or death?

Notify Fire Dispatch to call Fire Investigators. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of arson suspicion, who decides whether to open an investigation at the scene?

The most senior Fire Investigator Signup and view all the answers

Who is accountable for deciding whether to respond and open an investigation in a crime of arson?

The Fire Investigators Signup and view all the answers

When should Fire Dispatch notify fire investigators in fire or explosion incidents involving property owned by the City of Las Vegas?

Regardless of the amount of property damage Signup and view all the answers

Who determines whether Fire Investigators need to respond based on resource needs and incident type?

The senior Fire Investigator on duty Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Fire Investigators regarding responding to incidents involving arson?

They decide whether to respond and open an investigation. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should Command maintain custody of the scene until Fire Investigators arrive?

When there is suspicion of arson involved Signup and view all the answers

Who decides whether to respond and open an investigation based on information received from Incident Commanders?

Fire Investigators Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that company officers document fires accurately and completely?

Battalion Chiefs Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance can Command assign personnel to protect the fire scene before the arrival of investigators?

When there is a delay in response by firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What should companies do if there are lengthy investigation times based on the text provided?

Transfer Command to investigators Signup and view all the answers

What should first-in engine companies prioritize at a fire scene?

Being available for interviews with investigators Signup and view all the answers

When can Command release companies not required for investigation or overhaul activities?

After achieving fire control Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for minimizing the destruction of evidence at a fire scene according to the text?

Coordinating overhaul with investigators Signup and view all the answers

Who decides whether companies can transfer Command to investigators during a fire investigation?

The most senior fire investigator on scene Signup and view all the answers

{{Firefighters are responsible for being available for interviews at a fire scene to provide information about the early stages of the fire and methods used.}} What does this indicate about firefighter responsibilities?

Providing information to investigators when requested Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when re-fueling fuel powered equipment or tools at a fire scene?

Re-fuel outside the perimeter of the fire scene Signup and view all the answers

Why should the use of salvaged covers be considered at a fire scene?

To protect evidence from water and debris damage Signup and view all the answers

Which group of people should not be allowed to enter and remove personal items from a fire scene?

Owners, occupants, relatives, or friends Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using barrier tape at a fire scene?

Excluding unnecessary personnel and civilians Signup and view all the answers

Why should permission be granted before allowing removal of personal items from a fire scene?

To ensure proper documentation on the Incident Report Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the use of hose lines, particularly straight stream applications, can pose a challenge to investigators?

To obscure the area of origin Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of carrying out unnecessary probing of ceiling areas during investigations?

Damages or destroys existing evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended that salvage operations should not be overly thorough until the preliminary investigation is completed?

To diminish eventual loss and aid in investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge faced by firefighters regarding their responsibility in controlling and extinguishing fires?

Balancing life safety and evidence preservation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of systematically performing overhaul operations in terms of responsibilities?

It helps in meeting both firefighting and evidence preservation obligations Signup and view all the answers

Why should investigators view items before they are removed from their original location during investigations?

To prevent damage to contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the key takeaway regarding firefighters' dual responsibilities during investigations?

Evidence preservation should take precedence over controlling fires Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Investigation Response

The single biggest cause of destruction of evidence needed by investigators is unnecessary probing of ceiling areas during investigations.

Scene Preservation

Firefighters should prioritize overhaul operations to avoid destroying potential evidence.
Investigators should view items before removal from their original location to preserve evidence.

Command and Response

Incident Commanders should notify fire investigators to respond in situations involving arson, personal injury, or death.
The Deputy Chief over Operations is responsible for reviewing and revising the Standard Operating Procedure for Fire Investigation response.
The Fire Dispatch should notify fire investigators in fire or explosion incidents involving property owned by the City of Las Vegas.

Investigator Responsibilities

Fire Investigators are responsible for deciding whether to respond and open an investigation based on information received from Incident Commanders.
Investigators should justify their response to an incident based on factors such as resource needs and incident type.
The Chief of Fire Investigations - Bomb Squad can open an investigation at the scene in certain circumstances.

Company Officer Responsibilities

Company officers are responsible for documenting fires accurately and completely.
First-in engine companies should prioritize providing information to investigators and securing the scene.

Evidence Preservation

Salvage operations should not be overly thorough until the preliminary investigation is completed.
Hose lines, particularly straight stream applications, can pose a challenge to investigators by destroying evidence.
Barrier tape should be used to preserve the scene and prevent contamination.
Permission should be granted before allowing removal of personal items from a fire scene.

Firefighter Dual Responsibilities

Firefighters have a dual responsibility in controlling and extinguishing fires while preserving potential evidence for investigators.

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Description

Learn about the standard operating procedure for fire investigation response outlined in a document. Understand the purpose, policies, and procedures related to investigating fires and explosions.